Enterprise Singapore has launched a guide to help enterprises, especially for the small and medium sized enterprises in Singapore, in their business continuity planning in response to the COVID-19. It is guided by the Singapore Standard for Business Continuity Management System – Requirements (SS ISO 22301), and relevant advisories issued by MOH and other government agencies. It covers key business operational risks. including human resource management, processes and business functions, supplier and customer management as well as communications, both internal and external.

Enterprises are encouraged to plan and implement business continuity plans to minimise disruption to their operations and ensure that business remains viable during the virus outbreak. Enterprises can take the following steps to ensure adequate preparation for business continuity.

Human Resource Management

a. A Business Continuity Manager should be appointed to ensure that employees are familiar with the business continuity
plans and comply with them during this period.
b. Develop a plan for the continuity of leadership in the event of absence of key decision makers and executives
c. Consider flexible work arrangements for the high-risk employees, as well as employees who need to stay at home
due to other reasons relating to the COVID-19
d. Review employee management policies such as leave of absence, absenteeism, sick leave, overseas travel, workplace closure and recall of non-critical employees and their families from affected countries
e. Adhere to all travel and health advisories issued by MOH, MOM and other government agencies. 
f. Obtain a health and travel declaration from employees who have travelled to China recently, or who have any upcoming plans to travel to China during the virus outbreak
g. Comply with all quarantine orders issued by MOH, MOM and other government agencies.
h. Adhere to all leave of absence advisories issued by MOH, MOM and other government agencies.
i. Include provision of accommodation in Singapore for foreign workers during the virus outbreak.
j. Check the MOH, MOM and other government agencies’ websites, implement public health response measures, and review health insurance policies for workers

Process and Business Functions

a. Identify critical business functions (prioritised activities) and essential employees. Enterprises should consider setting up of alternate teams and execute team segregation. Companies should cross-train employees and establish covering arrangements to minimise disruptions
b. Educate employees on infection control and good personal hygiene
c. Develop plans related to visitor and employee screening and follow-up actions
d. Develop a robust employee sickness surveillance process to identify and manage unwell employees
e. Ensure adequate supply of appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and medical equipment and undertake training to familiarise employees on their usage
f. Clean and disinfect companies’ premises exposed to suspected or confirmed case(s) of the COVID-19

Supplier and Customer Management

a. Identify essential suppliers and service providers, and discuss and prepare business continuity measures
b. Identify essential customers and ensure that plans are in place to meet customer needs
c. Develop a plan on how and when to activate alternative suppliers and alternative delivery means to customers


a. Begin by identifying a communications coordinator who will disseminate your communications plan in line with your business needs and business continuity plans 
b. Ensure that employees have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities before the virus outbreak occurs
c. Identify the relevant stakeholders such as suppliers, service providers and customers, and key messages for each stakeholder group; and begin a dialogue with them on potential contingency measures during a virus outbreak